Episode 1
Have you ever thought about the cost of using gas-power to clear your leaves instead of using people-power? Take one minute to think about this important way you can do something easy to help the air we breathe. Continue reading this article for more information.
Toronto's Leaf Blower Restrictions
In 2001 Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Medical Officer of Health issued a report (PDF) that stressed the health concerns of using leaf blowers, and recommended that the city investigate the "extent to which the City has the authority to regulate and prohibit the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City of Toronto".
In addition to the current ban on leaf blowers during the hours of 9pm and 7am, the report recommended "enhanced regulation of leaf blower use". The report also wrote that:
It is recommended that the Board of Health request the City Solicitor to report on whether the City has the authority to regulate and prohibit the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City of Toronto
Leaf Blowers and Your Health
Dr. Basrur's report found that many leaf blowers use a small two-stroke engine, which can emit high levels of air pollutants in their exhaust. Some of these emissions can include hydrocarbons, "carbon monoxide; fine particulate matter; and other toxic air contaminants in the unburned fuel, including benzene, 1-3 butadiene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde". In addition:
Leaf blowers can be more polluting than cars. Compared to a new car (1999 or 2000 model), one hour of operation of commercial gasoline-powered leaf blowers emits 498 times as much hydrocarbons, 49 times as much particulate matter and 26 times as much carbon monoxide.
Also, the "relatively large amount of carbon monoxide" emitted into the air surrounding the operator is of "particular concern", as carbon monoxide is closely associated with heart effects. Finally,
The high wind speed and volume of leaf blowers can result in small particles being blown into the air. Substances such as fecal material, fertilizers, fungal spores, pesticides, herbicides, pollen and other biological substances are believed to be contained in the dust that is re-suspended by leaf blowers.
The Current State of Power Gardening
The city of Toronto currently bans the use of powered leaf-blowers between the hours of 9pm and 7am most days. In 2007, a proposal to ban leaf blowers altogether was proposed and failed. Public reaction to the proposed ban was mixed.
The GTA Green Minute
The GTA Green Minute is a one-minute video series that help give people practical and easy ways we can help the environment. View other episodes on the Green tips video page
